It takes a true leader to make bold, inspiring moves, and Ralph Lauren has once again proven that he is exactly that. Through the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, Lauren has joined Anna Wintour and CFDA Chairman Tom Ford in their efforts and made the inaugural $1 million gift to CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund’s A Common Thread fundraising initiative. The generous contribution is part of the Foundation’s $10 million commitment to help its teams, partners and communities impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“At the heart of our company, there has always been a spirit of togetherness that inspires our creativity, our confidence and most importantly our support for one another. In the past weeks and months, that spirit has never wavered,” Lauren said. “We believe that no matter who you are or where you are from, we are all connected. That is why we are taking significant action to help our teams and communities through this crisis.”

Wintour and Ford decided to repurpose the 2020 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund into a fundraiser to aid fashion businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its goal is to raise both awareness and needed funds for those in the American fashion community who have been impacted by COVID-19.

“We are immensely thankful to Ralph Lauren, who has taken a leadership role by becoming the first designer to donate $1 million to CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund’s A Common Thread fundraising initiative,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA. “Ralph’s generous contribution will go towards much-needed funds for those in the American fashion community who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation’s $10 million commitment will serve different urgent needs including financial grants for Emergency Assistance Foundation for Ralph Lauren colleagues facing special circumstances like medical, eldercare or childcare needs; a contribution to the World Health Organization COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and support to the company’s network of international cancer institutions. Lauren is also assessing the needs for medical-grade materials with plans to produce such equipment with capacity, materials and production.

Thank you, Ralph!